Mary's Oratory

You knelt here, 
Asking for signs.
No candle or crucifix appears
Now,
But how much more sacred
Is this space
For how you paused,
Soul to the fragile window? 

Your string pearls, possessions,
They slithered through traitor's hands
Down and out of these rooms
But the muttering of prayers
Imprints on a place -
Or flutters somewhere
Men can't reach.

Carved out of a castle, 
This cove has sensory history - 
Just add the smoke, incense, or
Touch the wood, tangible.
But a spirit trying to transcend these panels
Is like me imagining you here
Through centuries -
The wanting to connect
Is eternal. 

LJ Ireton